Outside, the air was cold, and the children didn’t have proper winter clothing. Bella didn’t know anyone in the pack well enough anymore to borrow anything. Her best option was likely the pack house laundry—there were always spare clothes there. After breakfast, she’d take the children to find something warm.
She doubted Luke would let her take the triplets into town to shop, not because he’d say no outright, but because he wouldn’t trust her. He’d think she was trying to run away. Not that Tyler would let her leave now. It was clear her wolf was as rooted here as Maddis was.
After her shower, Bella came back downstairs, bundling the girls in her old winter coats. They were far too big, hanging like dresses on the twins, but they’d have to do. She found one of Brad’s old jackets in his wardrobe and helped Karis into it.
“Where are we going?” Karis asked.
“To find you three some warm clothes that actually fit,” Bella replied.
“Oh,” was all Karis said, his tone subdued.
Bella watched him for a moment and sighed. He was expecting something more—perhaps for her to explain everything she’d kept from them. She’d deliberately left out her life story, raising them in the human world and shielding them from pack life, her family, and their extended family. But Karis had seen the old photos in her room and was undoubtedly curious.
“Come with me,” Bella said, gesturing for the triplets to follow. They trailed after her into the living area, where she settled them on the couch. As she arranged them, her father entered the room. She shot him a glare, which he met with a frown.
“Why don’t you go check on your mate?” she said sharply. “Not awake yet, I guess.”
Her tone was cutting. Bella’s anger at him for what he’d allowed to happen to her mother—his own mate—was evident. It wasn’t something she’d let go of easily, and he would just have to endure it. How she would face her mother after learning the full truth, she didn’t know yet. But she would have to, eventually.
Her father sighed. “No, not yet. But if you want me to go, I will.”
She stared at him until he sighed again and left the room.
Turning back to the triplets, she found all three pairs of eyes fixed on her.
“Are you mad, Mum?” Karis asked hesitantly.
“Not really,” Bella replied, softening her tone. “Just disappointed in something your grandpa did, that’s all. I’ll get over it… eventually. Might take a few days.”
“Is Auntie Dani here yet?” Arana asked brightly.
That caught Bella’s attention. “She is, actually, in the main house,” she said, narrowing her eyes. “But how do you know about that?”
“That man who talked to us yesterday asked if we’d like Auntie Dani to come here,” Arana replied matter-of-factly.
Bella stiffened. “What man?” She had a sinking feeling but asked anyway.
“He said his name was Luke,” Minka answered. “He’s in some of the pictures in your room.”
Bella ran a hand over her face. Was that what Luke had been about to tell her this morning before Benzy interrupted him? She knew the children had seen his picture, but she hadn’t known he’d actually spoken to them.
“When exactly did this happen?” she asked, trying to keep her tone calm.
“Right after we talked to Grandma Nina and Grandpa Matt,” Karis replied.
“It was snowing outside. We showed them,” Minka added.
“Showed them?” Bella repeated, her brow furrowing.
“Yep,” Arana said cheerfully. “That man, Lanky, said we could call him Uncle Lanky if we wanted. You wouldn’t mind, right, Mum? He video-called Grandma and Grandpa. They wanted to check on us, and he’s nice. He played games with us and Grandpa.”
Bella exhaled slowly. So, Luke had already seen and spoken to her children. There was no undoing that now. He’d apparently intended to tell her, but the moment had been interrupted.
“Who is he?” Karis asked, his voice firm and direct.
Bella met his gaze, noting how intently he stared at her, his green eyes unwavering. There was an unmistakable spark of dominance in his expression. Even at five years old, he was already showing the traits of an Alpha. His genes were undeniably strong, and one day, he would be a force to be reckoned with.
She allowed herself a small smile before answering. “Your father.”
The words hung in the air. She’d never lied to them outright, only withheld the full truth. But now it was out. She watched their faces carefully, wondering what they would think and how they would react.
The room was silent. Both twins stared at Bella, their mouths agape in shock.
Karis, however, remained quiet. He didn’t seem surprised—he’d clearly pieced it together already and had only been waiting for her confirmation.
“He’s here, and he wants to meet you today,” Bella said gently. “How would you feel about that?”
The girls exchanged nervous glances, but Karis’s face was unreadable, almost emotionless. For such a normally happy child, his lack of expression unsettled her.
“Why now?” he asked suddenly.
“He just found out about the three of you,” Bella replied simply. “I never told him.” Her tone was short but truthful.
She watched as Karis processed the information. “You don’t have to meet him if you don’t want to,” she added. “I’m sure it’s fine to wait a few days, but—”
“He’s like you? With a wolf?” Karis interrupted.
“Yes,” Bella said with a nod. “Actually, this is his pack. He’s what’s called the Alpha, which means he’s in charge of all the wolves here.”
Bella noticed the twins holding hands as they silently watched the conversation between her and Karis.
“Do you girls want to ask anything?” she prompted.
Both shook their heads. Karis was clearly asking everything they were curious about, as usual. The bond between the three of them was strong, and they often communicated in sync, with one asking a question that reflected all their thoughts. It had been unsettling at first, but Bella had grown used to it.
“What does Tyler think?” Karis asked, catching Bella completely off guard.
She felt Tyler stir within her, eager to speak. “You should meet him,” Tyler encouraged. His wolf wants to meet you too. He’s very eager to see his children.
